After the controversy of their World Cup play-off success against the Republic of Ireland - and the lacklustre qualifying campaign before then - France have seemingly been ignored as potential winners in South Africa.
Odds of 16-1 (five firms including Bet365, Bet Fred Bluesq) would suggest there is some money for them though, and with some world-class talent in their side, they could be a dark horse to repeat their home victory of 1998. Bet Fred also make France 7-1 to reach the final, while Europe are 4-9 to win it with four firms including Victor Chandler, Boylesports and Tote Sport. France are also 8-1 with Tote Sport to be the top European side.
Should Raymond Domenech's side reach the final, Spain are favourites to be the opposition at odds of 22-1 with Tote Sport. Argentina are 33-1 with Sky Bet and Tote Sport, with 1998 World Cup final opponents Brazil at 40-1 with Sky Bet. England and Italy are offered at the same odds by Tote Sport, with Germany (50-1 Tote Sport), Holland (66-1 Sky Bet and Tote Sport), Ivory Coast (75-1 Sky Bet) and Portugal (80-1 Sky Bet, Tote Sport) also options.
Despite France's chances, there is a similar sense to the fate that could also befall Argentina. Both disappointed in qualifying, have less than convincing coaches in charge and have obvious weaknesses - with Les Bleus seemingly let down by Raymond Domenech's tactics and team selections, and an uncertain defence. William Hill are offering 7-2 on elimination at the group stage and being in a group with hosts South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay, all will feel that on their day, they could beat anybody else in the group.
The French also bowed out with a whimper at Euro 2008 and in the 2002 World Cup. Other options for punters are the last 16 (11-4 Tote Sport and Bet Fred) - Argentina being potential opponents - the quarter-finals (3-1 Boylesports), semi-finals (6-1 Sky Bet) and runners-up (14-1 Boylesports) - as in 2006.
The France win and World Cup top goalscorer combination options are at long odds, with Sky Bet offering Thierry Henry (250-1), Nicolas Anelka (300-1), Franck Ribery (400-1), Yoann Gourcuff (500-1) and Karim Benzema (600-1) - with doubts over the inclusion of most of those names in the starting XI come June.
Henry will most likely continue to attract the media attention, and the same company are offering odds of 8-1 that he will pull out of the World Cup squad - presumably injury could be a factor too, rather than for reasons related to a possible ban due to the handball incident against the Irish.
The former Arsenal man has also endured some injury woes during his Barcelona stint and after a tiring second half of the season, the bet could well be worth taking.
Expekt.com are also offering some tempting squad inclusion/exclusion betting. Arsenal's Abou Diaby has recently been called up to the full squad and having impressed for the Gunners and being able to offer versatility to the squad, is good value at 4-1. His team-mate Gael Clichy has endured some injury worries but appears to be second choice behind Patrice Evra for the left-back position.
He is 8-15 to be in the squad, and around 2-1 to miss out - perhaps an option worth taking should injury woes persist. Samir Nasri is another at the Emirates who has endured injuries, but having won 15 caps since making his international debut in 2007, will almost certainly go should he remain fit. He is an 11-10 shout.
Recommendations
France to be knocked out in the group stages 7-2 William Hill
Samir Nasri to be included in the World Cup squad, 11-10 Expekt
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